Taliban refuses Trump’s call to return $7 billion in US Weapons

The Taliban in Afghanistan has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to return the military equipment that the U.S. left behind when its troops withdrew from the country in 2021. This includes weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and communications equipment, which are valued at about $7 billion. Trump, during a rally, threatened to cut all financial aid to Afghanistan unless the military gear was returned. However, the Taliban spokesperson responded by insisting that they need more weapons, ammunition, and advanced arms to fight ISIS-K, the local affiliate of the Islamic State.

Since the U.S. pulled out its troops after being stationed in Afghanistan for 20 years, it left behind significant military resources. The Taliban has made it clear that they have no intention of returning these weapons, emphasizing that their priority is fighting ISIS-K, which poses a serious security threat in the region. The Taliban insists that they need the military equipment to strengthen their defenses and combat the terrorist organization more effectively.

Taliban seeks relations with the U.S. for recognition and support

While rejecting Trump’s demands, the Taliban is looking to establish better relations with the U.S. under its new president. They aim to gain international recognition for their government, which is currently unrecognized by most of the world. The Taliban has also expressed interest in accessing nearly $9 billion in frozen foreign exchange reserves, which would help support Afghanistan’s struggling economy. This money could be crucial in providing financial stability to the country, which has been severely impacted by the loss of international aid and economic sanctions.

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Despite their strong stance on the military equipment issue, the Taliban’s leadership is hopeful that improving ties with the U.S. will open doors for future economic support and diplomatic recognition. The Taliban’s move to establish peaceful relations with the U.S. is seen as part of their broader effort to gain legitimacy and avoid further isolation on the global stage.

In recent developments, the Taliban announced a prisoner exchange with the U.S., further indicating a desire for diplomatic engagement. While some countries, including China, Pakistan, and Russia, have shown signs of warming relations with the Taliban, no country has officially recognized their government. China, however, became the first to offer the Taliban diplomatic credentials last year. Despite this, the Taliban's leadership faces significant challenges in gaining widespread recognition due to their human rights record and other issues.